The Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC) is a not-for-profit research institute headquartered in Pensacola, Florida with scientists and engineers investigating topics related to understanding cognition in both humans and machines.
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IHMC was founded by Kenneth M. Ford and Alberto Cañas on the University of West Florida Campus in 1990 - growing out of the computer science and psychology departments.
In 2004, IHMC became an independent statewide research institute. Currently, IHMC is affiliated with Florida Atlantic University, Florida Institute of Technology, the University of Central Florida, and the University of West Florida.
In 2007, IHMC was awarded the EDA's Excellence in Economic Development Award for its impact on downtown Pensacola.
In January 2010, IHMC opened a new research facility in downtown Ocala, Florida.
Research at IHMC focuses on human-centered computing, artificial intelligence and biologically-inspired systems. The underlying mission is the creation of useful technological systems to leverage and extend human cognitive, physical, and perceptual capacities. Current active research areas include: knowledge modeling and sharing, adjustable autonomy, robotics, advanced interfaces and displays, communication and collaboration, computer-mediated learning systems, intelligent data understanding, software agents, biologically inspired network security, expertise studies, work practice simulation, knowledge representation, and other related areas.
IEEE Computer Society had a good article about IHMC, Thinking Outside the Box at the IHMC.[1]
Currently there are over 80 (S&T) staff members at IHMC, many of whom are leading figures in their research fields. A full list of IHMC staff, with biographies and other information, is available via the IHMC website. IHMC (S&T)
Originally housed on the UWF campus, IHMC relocated to downtown Pensacola in 1999. IHMC currently is located in three buildings in Pensacola. Additionally, IHMC renovated the old Ocala Library in downtown Ocala, FL to house a IHMC's new central Florida location.[2]
IHMC sponsors a number of outreach efforts in the local community. These include a public Evening Lecture Series in both Pensacola and Ocala which has hosted many notable speakers. IHMC also supports local education through programs such as IHMC's Science Saturdays, I LOVE Science, and Voluntology.